Online Study Tips: Scheduling Your Studies and Managing Your Time

Posted on 10/13/2017

Many students choose to go to college online because it allows them more
flexibility when it comes to time. If you work or have other responsibilities
it can be difficult to find enough time to go to a physical classroom
each week, especially if you are taking multiple courses. Online courses
allow you the freedom of studying when it’s convenient for you but
also require self-discipline and time management skills.

Even though many classes don’t require you to be online at a certain
time during the week, most of them do have assignments due each week.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is schedule time out of
your day that is solely dedicated to your online learning. If you’re
going to school full time online, you’ll need to be sure to dedicate
plenty of hours each week to your online classes.

If you’re a part-time student, you’ll still need to manage
your time effectively. If you work during the days, you’ll need
to set aside some time each evening to work on your studies. Some online
students also prefer to get a good portion of their work done on the weekends,
but be sure to stay on top of assignment due dates.

It is recommended that you use a planner to schedule your time accordingly
and record any due dates ahead of time. Avoid working on one thing for
too long, it’s often easier to spend a dedicated amount of time
on one assignment and then switch to another. Of course, this can’t
be done if you procrastinate, which is certainly not a desirable trait
of scheduling your studies.

Be sure to take short breaks so you don’t get too tired or frustrated
while you are studying. Take a short walk or stop to have a snack which
can both reenergize you to finish your studies. If you still have trouble
with scheduling your studies, reach out to a professor or advisor who
may have some additional tips for you.